SSI? is basically a needs based program for people that are considered as disabled by the federal government. I will not go into my disabilities in this site as that has nothing to do with my budget. SSI has some restrictions on assets which must be followed to qualify for SSI. This kinda makes a mockery of the Supplemental portion of SSI. As mentioned, asset limits are $2,000. This money deposits directly into my checking account on the first day of every month.
For income, I receive $994 per month in SSI. This is my single largest source of income, and while I don’t have to do anything to acquire this money, I do have to rely on other programs to make ends meet. In example, I pay 35% of my income for rent. I have to buy food just like anyone else. I have bills that don’t get prorated based on my income. If a bill is $100, it is $100 whether I receive $994, or $994,000 per month.
I am sure someone in a developing country might think of this as a lot of money, and maybe in their country – it is. However, I don’t live in their country. Poverty in the USA for 2026 is $1,300. If your incomes is less than $1,300 – then you live below the poverty line. This should emphasize the fact I don’t have much money no matter how much $994 will go in their country.